This story is a fine example of how our sins, and our true nature, will follow us. As Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:24: ”The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.”

DNA and ballistic evidence from the crimes proved the same person committed them. Had a DNA sample of the suspect been on file, and the technology been available, this case could have been solved earlier. Though the killer had been handled for property crimes previously, his DNA samples were not available. This is not unusual. In the mid 1980′s DNA was a fledgling science. Even today DNA samples are not usually taken from those arrested for property crimes.

When technology did allow, the DNA evidence ran through the database as a familial search matched a son. This brought the focus of the investigation squarely on the shoulders of his father.

DNA evidence was gained and a match was made to the father, the killer. Had the sins of the son (nurtured by the sins of the father) not led him astray, the killer may never have been caught.

Sometimes when we break the laws of man, we will be found out immediately. Punishment will follow quickly. Sometimes when we break the laws of man or sin against God, very few may know about it. Punishment will follow eventually, if not by man’s judgment, by God’s. Our wrong doing will follow us and be revealed.